There’s just something magical about Soft Molasses Cookies—the moment you take a bite, you’re wrapped up in warmth, spice, and a cloud of nostalgia. These cookies combine the deep, comforting sweetness of molasses with a trio of classic spices, all tucked inside a melt-in-your-mouth, pillowy-soft center. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy afternoon, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself, you’ll find these cookies become an irresistible favorite in your home.

Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Soft Molasses Cookies truly special is how a handful of classic, everyday ingredients comes together to create such incredible flavor and the perfect texture. Each ingredient plays its own important role—nothing here is extra, and together, they create cookie magic.

Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): The foundation of chewy, rich cookies—make sure it’s at room temperature for the best creaming results.
Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor that complements the molasses beautifully.
Large egg (1): Essential for binding everything together and adding a lovely touch of richness.
Molasses (1/4 cup): The star of the show, it creates that signature flavor and soft, indulgent crumb.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft and tender.
Baking soda (2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough and contributes to their slightly crackled tops.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and brings out the bold spice flavors.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and that delightful “holiday” aroma with every bite.
Ground ginger (1 tsp): Infuses the dough with a gentle heat that pairs perfectly with molasses.
Ground cloves (1/2 tsp): Gives the cookies an earthy, spicy note that rounds out the flavor profile.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): Creates a sparkly, crisp edge on every cookie—don’t skip this part!

How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tray

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect, non-stick cookies every time. Getting everything set up at the start means you can move quickly once your dough is ready.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key for creating the signature soft texture of Soft Molasses Cookies—it incorporates air into the dough, ensuring every cookie is wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Add Egg and Molasses

Next, beat in the egg and molasses. You’ll notice the dough getting darker and richer right away—this is when the cozy aroma starts to build, hinting at the delicious flavor to come. Mix until everything is well combined and velvety-smooth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Whisking helps evenly distribute the spices, so every cookie is individually spiced and fragrant—no bland bites here!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until a thick, soft dough forms. Don’t over-mix—you want everything just combined for the best, most tender Soft Molasses Cookies. The dough will smell absolutely heavenly at this point.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar Coat

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough (a cookie scoop works wonders here), and gently roll each into a ball. Roll every dough ball in granulated sugar to coat—this will give the cookies their signature crackled, sparkly finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This timing is everything for achieving that irresistible softness!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, but remain incredibly soft and chewy—ideal for enjoying warm with a cup of tea or coffee.

How to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance, sprinkle your Soft Molasses Cookies with a little extra granulated sugar the moment they come out of the oven. If you’re feeling creative, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese icing can bring a festive twist, especially for special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

These cookies are simply delightful on their own, but pairing them with a mug of hot apple cider, chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream takes them to another level. If you’re setting up a dessert spread, place them alongside other spiced treats or buttery shortbreads for a cozy, inviting assortment.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Soft Molasses Cookies in a rustic tin and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift with heart. Arrange them under a glass dome for an old-fashioned cookie jar appeal, or build an enticing cookie platter by alternating with chocolate-dipped ginger snaps and chewy oatmeal cookies. For a party-ready presentation, use a cute paper liner and add a sprinkle of edible glitter for sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Soft Molasses Cookies at peak softness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay irresistibly chewy for up to five days—just pop in a slice of bread if you want to help retain moisture and slow down hardening!

Freezing

You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies themselves. For dough, scoop into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer with just a minute or two added to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze beautifully as well; let them cool completely, layer them with parchment, and freeze in an airtight container.

Reheating

Enjoy that just-baked softness any time by gently reheating the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven until warm. Freshly thawed frozen cookies also benefit from a quick warm-up, which revives their aroma and texture in the most comforting way.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses for these cookies?

Regular molasses is best for Soft Molasses Cookies because blackstrap molasses can make them bitter and overpoweringly strong. If all you have is blackstrap, try mixing it with light corn syrup to mellow the flavor, but classic unsulphured molasses gets the best results.

How do I keep my Soft Molasses Cookies from getting hard?

For ultra-soft cookies, avoid overbaking and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring. Storing them airtight with a slice of bread helps lock in moisture and keeps them tender for days.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, while white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks give a fun twist. Fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice just before rolling the dough balls in sugar.

Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based substitute and check that your chosen sugar is vegan-friendly. The cookies will still be deliciously soft and spiced, perfect for any dietary preference.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely. This recipe doubles very well; just make sure to chill the dough for 15 minutes if it gets too sticky and bake in batches as needed. Your kitchen will smell like pure heaven!

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Soft Molasses Cookies is one of those heartwarming rituals that instantly brightens any day. Invite a friend over, share with loved ones, or savor each cozy, spiced bite yourself—you truly can’t go wrong. Give these a try and see why they’re a classic favorite that never goes out of style!